When Weight Watchers says you’ll be “counting calories” they mean it. As the name says the are weight loss watchers and will keep an eye on you, so that you lose weight.

You have a point system, with different categories of food assigned a certain value. During the diet program you can make a menu as long the total number of points don’t exceed your points target.

Aside from your daily points allocation, you also get “Flex Points”, which you can splurge on one particularly delectable dish or spread out over several days (i.e., taking an extra little serving of rice).

The key to succeeding at Weight Watchers is maintaining portion sizes (no cheating!) and keeping a food journal. You have to write down everything you eat and the number of pounds you lost, which can be a bummer if you you’re the type who has trouble balancing a checkbook. There is even special weight watchers software for monitoring your weight.

Also, Weight Watchers requires that you go on an exercise program, and for every hour you work out you get points to spend on food. And if that doesn’t give you enough motivation to spend another 20 minutes jogging, you’ll get your pep talk at the weekly Weight Watchers meeting with your “leaders” (people who’ve succeeded at the program).

The Verdict: It’s got flexibility, so it works for those who have little control over the food that’s prepared or rebels against a strict regimen. Watching portion sizes can get tricky, though; you have to train yourself to asses the visual equivalent of X grams, or you’ll be touting a kitchen scale in your handbag every time you eat out of the house.

Categories: long term, low maintenance (once you get the portion sizing figured out), personalized, body

Feedback: “I love trying out different kinds of dishes so any diet that forces me to give up entire food groups or eat nothing but soups just isn’t going to work. Weight Watchers was a happy compromise. I can still try a new Thai restaurant with my boyfriend, or indulge in really great cheese cake, but as long as I stick to the overall structure I’ll keep weight off.” – Janina, (STATE)